Maine Downtowns, Statewide

2019 Midnight Madness Fireworks in Market Square in Houlton, photo courtesy of Christopher A. Mills Photography.

Downtown Gardiner, photo courtesy of Main Street Gardiner.

Downtown Gardiner, photo courtesy of Main Street Gardiner.

Market Square in Houlton, photo courtesy of Christopher A. Mills Photography.

Riverfront Park in Houlton, photo courtesy of Christopher A. Mills Photography.

Courthouse in Houlton, photo courtesy of Christopher A. Mills Photography.

Skowhegan Downtown, photo courtesy of MXH Marketing.

Apple blossoms in Downtown Gardiner, courtesy of Gardiner Main Street.

Skowhegan Downtown, photo courtesy of MXH Marketing.

In Maine Preservation’s first Most Endangered Historic Places list, it recognized Maine Downtowns as being threatened by dwindling populations, shopping mall development, and sprawl. Maine’s 10 National Main Street programs and 13 Maine Downtown Affiliate programs along with the Maine Downtown Center have dedicated time and energy towards revitalizing many of Maine’s downtowns. While many towns still face the threat of climate change and outdated industrial systems, significant improvements have been made to stabilize these economies and increased focus on local commerce.